Rugby League News: Leeds Rhinos Seek New Head Coach After Rohan Smith’s Departure
Leeds, UK – In the aftermath of Rohan Smith’s exit from the club by mutual consent, the Leeds Rhinos have held a press conference to address the search for their sixth permanent head coach since 2018.
Smith joined the Rhinos in 2022, leading them to a Grand Final that year. However, a poor 2023 season followed by a disappointing start to the 2024 campaign has cost him his job. Now, the club’s new Sporting Director, Ian Blease, who joined from the Salford Red Devils, will spearhead the search for a replacement.
During the press conference, held jointly with Chief Executive Gary Hetherington, Blease discussed the possibility of Paul Rowley, a long-time acquaintance from his time at Salford, being a potential candidate for the top job at Leeds. While emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in the process, Blease acknowledged that Rowley is someone the Rhinos would be interested in considering.
“We are committed to finding the right person to lead the Leeds Rhinos forward, and Paul Rowley is certainly someone we will be looking at closely.”
The Rhinos currently find themselves in a precarious position, needing to improve their performances to stay in touch with the Super League’s top six. Defeat against the Leigh Leopards on Friday could see the gap between the teams narrow to just one point, with the potential for Leeds to fall further behind if results elsewhere go against them.
Blease recognized the need for an immediate improvement in the team’s performances, but he also stated that he is willing to be patient in order to secure the right candidate for the head coaching position. The Rhinos’ search for a new leader will be closely watched by their loyal fanbase, as the club looks to regain their footing in the 2024 Super League season.
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